The star swimmer Adam Peaty, who talked about his mental health problems, has returned to sports. He is watching Michael Phelps’ trick at the Paris Olympics.
Swimmer From Adam Peaty can become the second male swimmer at the Paris Olympics who has reached three consecutive Olympic golds on the same trip. This achievement has been achieved by a sports legend Michael Phelps.
British swimmer Peaty won Olympic gold in the 100-meter breaststroke in 2016 and 2021. He is one of the most dominant swimmers in recent history, being undefeated in the 100-meter distance for eight years.
Just a year ago, the continuation of the sports career of the 29-year-old star swimmer was shrouded in darkness. Struggling with mental health problems, the multiple prize competition winner stayed away from competitions and training.
Breaking point
Peaty told the Guardian about his experiences in the interview. The breaking point happened in the swimming pool.
– It started in the water and my swimming goggles filled with tears. I cried while swimming and couldn’t acknowledge the situation without crying for months.
Peaty made a comparison Christopher Nolan’s to direct the scene in The Dark Knight Returns where the villain Bane breaks Batman’s back.
– That’s what I did to myself mentally. I lost all direction and purpose. I thought why am I here?
Peaty did something he had never done before. He missed practice for the first time in his life. Peaty had always been thirsty for more training.
His longtime coach was worried about his health. Peaty said he no longer wants to play sports.
– I couldn’t imagine anything worse. The idea had been simmering for months, possibly years. It wasn’t worth it anymore.
– I went to the store and bought a lot of chocolate and ate it. I lost all discipline and purpose, Peaty recalled.
Daughter of Gordon Ramsay
The break from elite sports did its job. Previously divorced, Peaty met his future girlfriend by Holly Ramsay and they started dating.
Holly Ramsay is a famous TV chef Gordon Ramsay’s daughter.
– He got me out of it all. No matter what happens in the pool, I still win because I found the right person, Peaty said of Holly’s importance.
Peaty has also received help from the chaplain of the country’s Olympic team and a psychiatrist From Steve Peterswho has helped, among others, a snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Now Peaty is back in the games. He was third in the World Championships held last month.
From the Paris Olympics, he is aiming for his third consecutive gold medal, although the Chinese swimming sensation Qin Haiyang will go to the games as a pre-favorite.